New Technologies Drive Aerospace Coatings

The aerospace and defense coatings market was valued at $1.05 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach $1.54 billion by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 6.62%, according to a recent report from ResearchAndMarkets.com.

According to the report, “the aerospace and defense coatings market has witnessed significant growth, driven by the increasing demand for high-performance coatings to extend the lifespan of aircraft and enhance their operational efficiency. Adoption of advanced coating technologies, such as nano-coatings, self-healing coatings and thermal barrier coatings, enhance performance, durability and protection against harsh operating conditions.”

Nanotechnology is playing a key role in advancing corrosion-resistant coatings within this market. Nanoparticles such as zinc oxide or aluminum oxide are incorporated into coatings to provide an additional layer of protection. These nanoparticles enhance the corrosion resistance of coatings by creating a stronger barrier against corrosive elements.

Further, the report noted that NASA has developed a water-based high-ratio zinc silicate coating, known as WB HRZS Single Coat System, which has demonstrated exceptional corrosion resistance in harsh environments. This coating has reportedly been successfully applied to protect offshore oil rigs, proving its effectiveness in real-world applications.

A major challenge noted in the report is stringent environmental regulations. “The aerospace industry operates within a highly regulated environment, governed by aviation authorities such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in Europe. These regulatory bodies impose rigorous standards to ensure the safety, performance, and durability of coatings used in aerospace applications.”

By region, North America emerged as the biggest player. This is driven by technological advancements, increasing defense budgets and a strong aerospace industry.

ResearchAndMarkets.com reported that the U.S. continues to be a global leader in aerospace and defense manufacturing, with major manufacturers such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Raytheon driving demand for high-performance coatings.
The U.S. military’s focus on modernizing and enhancing the performance of its aircraft, naval vessels and defense systems also contributes to the demand for advanced coatings.